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BSTI caps trans fat in food products at 2 per cent
Published : Monday, 17 August, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Observer Online Report
The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has capped the maximum level of industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) in food products at two per cent to mitigate the risks of heart disease and non-communicable illnesses nationwide.
Under the revised standards, edible oils, banaspati, lachcha semai, decorated cakes, chips, and chanachur cannot exceed the two per cent trans fat limit.
The details were announced in a press release following a stakeholder consultation titled "Encouraging Production of TFA-free Edible Oil and PHO in Bangladesh," jointly organized by BSTI and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at the BSTI headquarters in Tejgaon on Monday (August 17).
BSTI Director General (Secretary) Kazi Imdadul Haq attended the meeting as the chief guest, with Prof Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury of the National Heart Foundation present as a special guest and Prof Dr Md Abdul Alim of Bangladesh Agricultural University serving as a resource person.
Senior officials from major edible oil processors and research institutions, including Bashundhara Group, City Group, TK Group, Bangladesh Edible Oil, and Meghna Group, participated in the event.
BSTI Deputy Director (Agri and Food) Enamul Haq delivered a presentation on "SDG Imperatives and Government Priorities in Controlling Non-Communicable Diseases."
Speaking at the event, BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Haq emphasized that manufacturers and traders play a crucial role in ensuring safe, trans-fat-free food. He added that BSTI will take effective measures in coordination with stakeholders while considering technical capabilities and industrial challenges.
Industrially produced trans fatty acids are globally recognized as a primary risk factor for heart disease and other non-communicable conditions. The World Health Organization considers eliminating trans fats from food supplies a cost-effective measure to prevent premature deaths.
In line with this, the government framed the Trans Fatty Acids (TFA) Control Regulations, 2021. As part of its implementation, BSTI revised national standards for banaspati and non-dairy vegetable ghee to create an enabling environment for producing trans-fat-free goods.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
